LEWISTON — Prince of Peace Parish plans to host a free special celebration commemorating the Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 122 Ash St.
“The Latino community venerates her in a special way, especially as she is the Patroness of Mexico,” said Fr. Michael Sevigny, the director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Portland, in a news release from Dave Guthro, Office of Communications, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “This is an effort to unite the Latino community from all over the state and get to know one another. We are expecting people from all over Maine.”
The celebration will begin with the praying of the Rosary. A bilingual Mass (English/Spanish), celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley, will follow at 12:15 p.m. and feature a procession with a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, flowers and candles. A gathering with dances, food, and activities for the whole family will be held in the hall of the basilica following the Mass. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
“Especially for Mexicans, Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most revered figures in the Catholic Church,” said José Pérez, a Hispanic Ministry outreach coordinator. “She brings hope, happiness, faith, togetherness, and commitment to Hispanics.”
Funded largely by the annual Catholic Appeal, the Office of Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Portland assists the Hispanic community living and working in Maine by offering Masses in Spanish and sacramental preparation, including marriage and baptismal preparation; faith formation for adults and children; education on social service support in the state; and help to individuals and families in becoming more involved in parish life.
Those who might benefit from the services of the Office of Hispanic Ministry can call Sevigny at 347-752-3700, Sister Elsa Telón at 207-618-2156, Rosario Starratt at 207-312-4716, or Pérez at 207-653-5609. People also can visit the office’s Facebook page.
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